Warsaw is set to get a new landmark tower in the heart of the financial district and Danish firm Schmidt Hammer Lassen has won the international architectural competition to design it. The shimmering 188 meter tower consists of three individually stepped rectangular volumes with increasing heights, but works to create a connection with the nearby historic buildings. Sculptural and striking, the tower will also feature energy efficient design, solar power, and rainwater harvesting and aim for both BREEAM Excellent and LEED Gold certifications.

Located at the center of the financial district, the Warsaw tower will create a striking landmark as it rises above the other surrounding towers. The tower is composed of three stepped volumes increasing in height towards the east with a variety of inclined facades that shift views and light. Angled rooflines reduce light obstruction on adjacent buildings and these rooflines are reflected in the lobby at the bottom to create a unified sculpture. The open lobby allows pedestrians to pass through providing a direct connection between the plaza, the park, and the historical tenement houses to the south.

Schmidt Hammer Lassen and Arup’s design wowed the jury not only for its elegant visual form, but also for their sophisticated sustainability plan. The building will be designed to reduce energy consumption with the goal of achieving both BREEAM Excellent and LEED Gold certifications. A modular facade system, with floor to ceiling glass elements, will provide high levels of transparency, sun shading, and light reflection shutters. The sloped rooftops will feature photovoltaic panels and rainwater harvesting for use within the building. Additionally, the tower will be operated using intelligent building management and will minimize technical installations by using passive elements. The 60,000 sq meter tower is expected to begin construction sometime in 2012 with an expected completion in 2016.